Climate Chaos and Birds

 

Climate Chaos and Birds

As climate continues to change, bird populations are expected to shift toward the North and to higher elevations to remain with their ideal temperatures.

A study of 35 North American warbler species found that 7 of the species had shifted their range of occurrence significantly north in the past 24 years, by an average of over 100 km.

 None of the birds shifted to the south.

The Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas data demonstrates that “southern” bird species such as tufted titmouse, blue-gray gnatcatcher, northern mockingbird, and red-bellied woodpecker have increased in numbers  and have expanded their range northwards in Ontario compared to 20 years ago.

Unfortunately, not all bird populations are able to cope with a warming climate by shifting their range.

 Migrating birds may be prevented from finding new ranges by human development, fragmentation, or natural geological features like large bodies of water.

At least 85 of the worlds breeding species breed in the global Arctic regions. 

Since warming is occurring at an alarming rate in the Arctic, birds breeding here are particularly vulnerable. 

The loss of vast areas of tundra and sea ice will have devastating effects on Arctic birds. especially, ivory gulls which forage along the sea shore.

Do whatever you can to reduce your carbon footprint like work from home, compost,( dramatically reduces methane) drive slower and drive less, consider an electric vehicle, walk don’t drive when possible, plant tree, especially, pines and silver birches, plant more native flower gardens  etc. 

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